The year was 1985 and Michael Jordan then 22 years old – already a champion but not yet the star player he would become – touring Europe, decided to play on the parquet in Trieste, wearing a historic orange-black cotton jersey with white Stefanel lettering in the center, accompanied by the traditional orange cloverleaf logo and the number 23. Today the world-famous auction house Sotheby’s sold that tank top for $571,500.

This is one of 3 Michael Jordan jerseys authenticated by MeiGray in 1985.

After an incredible NBA Rookie of the Year season, Michael Jordan — in late August 1985 — traveled to Italy’s Trieste for an exhibition game sponsored by Nike. Michael played for Stefanel Trieste and wore this incredible orange-black Stefanel Trieste custom jersey No. 23.

The game is remembered as the “shattered scoreboard” game, as the most memorable part of Jordan’s 30-point performance occurred when Michael, almost flying skyward, sclacked the ball with so much power and force that the entire backboard exploded, spraying shards of glass all over the court. This moment inspired some of Nike’s most famous Air Jordan 1s and is one of the brand’s most coveted colorways.

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